Moisture detection label, moisture detection device, moisture detection method, power shutoff method, and electronics device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a moisture detection device including: a moisture detection label that has at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detection terminals being provided on abase material with an insulated front surface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base material and formed between the detection terminals with water-dispersible and conductive paint; and detection circuit which detects an electrical connection state between the detection terminals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/203,244 filed Aug. 15, 2005, which claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2004-236541, filed Aug. 16, 2004, the contents of all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a moisture detection label, a moisturedetection device, a moisture detection method, a power shutoff method,and an electronics device. In particular, the present invention relatesto a moisture detection label, a moisture detection device, a moisturemethod, a power shutoff method, and an electronics device, each used fordetecting an intrusion of a liquid into a device main body such as aportable terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

As regards electronics devices such as cell phones, there has beenproposed, for example, an electronics device having judgement labelprovided for detecting an intrusion of a liquid or the like into adevice main body (see JP 2003-283619 A). The judgement label, as shownin FIG. 21, is made of a plastic sheet 301 on which circle patterns 307are printed in pattern, for example, by red water-based ink. When awater droplet adheres on the circle patterns 307, the ink contained inthe circle patterns 307 dissolve in the water to spread out, wherebyadhesion of water can be visibly recognized.

However, according to the judgement label disclosed in JP 2003-283619 A,a user does not notice the adhesion of water unless visually identifyingthe label, which may lead to a case where the user keep using the cellphone. In this case, components of the cell phone are continuouslysupplied with power, so there is a fear that a short circuit occurs, forexample.

In addition, cell phones in recent years store important data includingpersonal information in their memories. For this reason, it is necessaryto cause the cell phones to store data as soon as possible, as well asto prevent beforehand a malfunction from being caused in the cell phonedue to exposure to water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing and other exemplary problems, drawbacks, anddisadvantages of the conventional structures, an exemplary feature ofthe present invention is to provide a moisture detection label, amoisture detection device, a moisture detection method, a power shutoffmethod, and an electronics device.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a moisturedetection label, a moisture detection device, a moisture detectionmethod, and an electronics device, each used for reliably detectingadhesion of water eliminating a need for a visual observation of ajudgment label by a user.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a power shutoffmethod and an electronics device, with which a malfunction due toexposure to water can be prevented beforehand.

An exemplary moisture detection label for achieving the first object ofthe present invention includes: a base material having an insulatedfront surface, at least a pair of detection terminals provided on thebase material, a pattern provided on the surface of the base materialand formed between the detection terminals, the pattern containingwater-dispersible and conductive paint.

An exemplary moisture detection device for achieving the first object ofthe present invention includes: a moisture detection label that has atleast a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detectionterminals being provided on a base material with an insulated frontsurface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base materialand formed between the detection terminals with water-dispersible andconductive paint; and detector that detects an electrical connectionstate between the detection terminals of the moisture detection label.

An exemplary moisture detection method for achieving the first object ofthe present invention, (i) uses a moisture detection label that includesat least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detectionterminals being provided on a base material having an insulated frontsurface, the pattern containing water-dispersible and conductive paintand being formed between the detection terminals, in which (ii) thepaint that swells by absorbing moisture adhered disperses toward thedetection terminals, to thereby detect an electrical connection statecaused between detection terminals through the paint.

An exemplary electronics device for achieving the first object of thepresent invention includes: a device main body having power source; amoisture detection label that is provided on the device main body, andhas at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detectionterminals being provided on abase material with an insulated frontsurface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base materialand formed between the detection terminals with a water-dispersible andconductive paint; and detector that is provided on the device main bodyand detects an electrical connection state between the detectionterminals of the moisture detection label.

Also, an exemplary electronics device for achieving the second object ofthe present invention includes: a device main body having power source;a moisture detection label that is provided on the device main body andhas at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detectionterminals being provided on a base material with an insulated frontsurface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base materialand formed between the detection terminals with a water-dispersible andconductive paint; detector that is provided on the device main body anddetects an electrical connection state between the detection terminalsof the moisture detection label; and power shutoff means for shuttingoff power based on the electrical connection state detected by thedetector.

An exemplary power shutoff method for achieving the second object of thepresent invention, (i) is used in a moisture detection label thatincludes at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, thedetection terminals being provided on a base material having aninsulated front surface, the pattern containing water-dispersible andconductive paint and being formed between the detection terminals, (ii)detects an electrical connection state between the detection terminals,and (iii) shuts off power in a case where it is detected that thedetection terminals are electrically connected.

In the present invention, for example, when moisture adheres to thesurface of the base material, conductive paint is dispersed toelectrically connect between the detection terminals. Accordingly, it ispossible to reliably detect adhesion of water by, for example, causingthe moisture detection device to detect an electrical connection statebetween the detection terminals. Note that the paint is dispersed overthe surface of the base material, whereby adhesion of water can bevisually detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first exemplary embodiment of a moisturedetection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an under surface of the moisture detection label shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing themoisture detection label shown in FIG. 1 as an electronic circuit;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which paint contained inpatterns is dispersed in the moisture detection label in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit schematically showing the moisturedetection label shown in FIG. 5 as an electronic circuit;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a second exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a third exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a fourth exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a fifth exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a sixth exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection label according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of amoisture detection device according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relationship between an output voltage andan amount of output power at a current detector in the moisturedetection device shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a table showing a relationship between an input voltage and aswitching operation at a switch in the moisture detection device shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a second exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection device according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process flow of controlling power inthe moisture detection device shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a third exemplary embodiment of themoisture detection device according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cellphone according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the cell phone shown inFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a second exemplary embodimentof the cell phone according to the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a conventional judgment label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(Moisture Detection Label Construction)

Hereinafter, a moisture detection label 10 according to a firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention is described based onFIGS. 1 to 6. The moisture detection label includes: a substrate 101having a front surface 101A (including a rear surface 101B) insulated;at least a pair of detection terminals 103 and 105 provided on thesubstrate 101; and patterns 107 that are provided on the front surface101A and formed between the detection terminals 103 and 105, and containwater-dispersible and conductive paint. The thin-plate-like substrate101 is formed of an insulating resin such as polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenecopolymer. A planar shape of the substrate 101 is square with one sidelength of 3 to 10 mm, for example, but may be rectangular, circular,polygonal, etc. The substrate 101 may be formed of a transparentmaterial or a non-transparent material.

The same-shaped patterns 107 equal in shape are arranged at plural spotswith their vertical lines and horizontal lines alternately shifted onthe front surface 101A of the substrate 101. The patterns 107 are madeof water-dispersible and conductive paint, examples of which includewater-base conductive electrodeposition paint having a water dispersibleproperty too. The electrodeposition paint is, for example, paintprepared by mixing a conductive material (ion) with ink. The patterns107 are formed of paint with a color different from that of thesubstrate 101. Then, the patterns 107 are two-dimensionally dispersedand arranged.

The planar shape of the substrate 101 is circular with a diameter of 0.5to 2 mm, for example. The patterns 107 are formed, for example, byprinting the electrodeposition paint on the front surface 101A of thesubstrate 101 (see FIG. 3). Each of the patterns 107, namely, the paintswells to be dispersed when moisture adheres thereto.

The tabular detection terminals 103 and 105 are arranged in pairs onopposing ends of the substrate 101. The detection terminals 103 and 105are formed of a conductive material such as metal including copper, oran alloy. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection terminals 103 and 105 arestructured such that detection signals are output to outside from thefront surface 101A and the rear surface 101B of the substrate 101.

The detection terminals 103 and 105 each have the same length as the oneside length of the substrate 101, and are attached to the substrate 101so that all the patterns 107 are located therebetween. For example, thedetection terminals 103 and 105 maybe fixed to the both ends of thesubstrate 101 as being inserted thereto. Also, the detection terminals103 and 105 are separated across the patterns 107.

Then, in the substrate 101, an area between the detection terminals 103and 105 becomes a moisture detection area 104 (see FIG. 1). Also, thefront surface 101A of the substrate 101 is formed such that the patterns107 swelling by absorbing adhesion moisture disperse toward thedetection terminal 103 or 105. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, thefront surface 101A of the substrate 101 has plural grooves 101C atpredetermined intervals across the detection terminals 103 and 105,thereby obtaining such effect that the electrodeposition paint dispersedby getting wet easily spread along the grooves 101C.

Note that a shape of the grooves 101C may be linear, curved, orpolygonal. In this exemplary embodiment, the front surface 101A of thesubstrate 101 may be formed flat. Even in this case, since the ink isdispersed upon getting wet, it spreads out without such grooves asdescribed above on the front surface 101A.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, in addition to the pair of thedetection terminals 103 and 105, two detection terminals may beadditionally provided. For example, the additional two detectionterminals are provided on the other sides where the detection terminals103 and 105 are not provided such that they are not connected to thedetection terminals 103 and 105. If there are four detection terminals,adhesion of water is detected quickly and reliably.

As shown in FIG. 2, a sheet 127 is arranged on the rear surface 101B ofthe substrate 101. The sheet 127 has both surfaces coated with anadhesive etc. like a two-sided tape, with which the moisture detectionlabel 10 is affixed to a predetermined position of an electronicsdevice.

For example, the moisture detection label 10 is manufactured as follows.A single metal plate is bend to sandwich the front and rear surfaces ofthe substrate 101 on both ends, constituting the detection terminal 103.That is, the detection terminal 103 is attached along one side of thesubstrate 101 and the detection terminal 105 is attached along the otherside thereof. Next, the electrodeposition paint is applied topredetermined spots away from the detection terminals 103 and 105 on thefront surface 101A of the substrate 101, namely, the moisture detectionarea 104, constituting the plural patterns 107 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).

Then, the sheet 127 is affixed to the rear surface 101R of the substrate101 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). That is, in this exemplary embodiment, themoisture detection label 10 can be easily produced. Note that thepatterns 107 maybe rectangular or other shape, not necessarily beingcircular. The patterns are preferably circular because the wet patterns107 easily spread (radially) in all directions.

(Moisture Detection Method)

Next, a moisture detection method using the moisture detection label 10according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention isdescribed based on FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6. In this moisture detectionmethod, for example, the moisture detection label 10 is used whichincludes: at least the pair of detection terminals 103 and 105 providedon the substrate 101 having the insulated front surface 101A; and thepatterns 107 that are provided on the front surface 101A of thesubstrate 101 and formed between the detection terminals 103 and 105,and contain water-dispersible and conductive paint. The paint thatswells by absorbing adhesion moisture disperses toward the detectionterminals 103 and 105. Then, electrical connection caused between thedetection terminals 103 and 105 through the paint is detected.

When moisture does not adhere to the patterns 107 of the moisturedetection label 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, there is no electricalconnection between the detection terminals 103 and 105, with no currentflowing therebetween.

On the other hand, when moisture adheres to the patterns 107 of themoisture detection label 10, as shown in FIG. 5, the patterns (paint)107 swell and disperse, thereby spreading (seeping) out to the moisturedetection area 104. The substrate 101 has the plural grooves 101Cbetween the detection terminals 103 and 105, whereby the patterns(paint) 107 quickly and reliably disperse to the detection terminal 103or 105.

A moisture-adhered area 109 expands by the seeping patterns (paint) 107and the conductive paint connects the detection terminals 103 and 105.That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection terminals 103 and 105 areelectrical connected with a resistance value of the ink. In thisexemplary embodiment, the existence of adhesion of moisture is judged bydetecting the electrical connection state between the detectionterminals 103 and 105.

Even when moisture adheres to the patterns (paint) 107, such a case mayhappen that the paint do not spread across the detection terminals 103and 105. In this exemplary embodiment, moisture deposition at such alevel that the paint does not connect the detection terminals 103 and105 is not regarded as a water adhesion state.

In the moisture detection label 10, when the front surface 101A of thesubstrate 101 gets wet in water, the paint in the patterns seeps outfrom the patterns and the planer shape of the patterns 107 changes.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the planer shape of the patterns 107changes upon moisture deposition thereon. Therefore, adhesion of watercan be visually detected with ease. Also, in the moisture detectionlabel 10, the moisture-adhered area 109 expands when moisture adheres tothe patterns 107, to thereby electrically connect the detectionterminals 103 and 105 (see FIG. 6), leading to a change in theresistance value.

Thus, water leak is electrically detected using the moisture detectionlabel 10 in this exemplary embodiment.

Therefore, and if the moisture detection label 10 is arranged in theelectronics device, adhesion of water to the electronics device can bereliably detected.

Note that in this exemplary embodiment, since the patterns 107 arearranged with their vertical lines and horizontal lines alternatelyshifted, when moisture adheres to the patterns (paint) 107, paint isreliably dispersed and the moisture-adhered area 109 expands. Also, inthis exemplary embodiment, the detection terminals 103 and 105 arearranged along the entire sides of the substrate 101 on the both ends.Even when moisture adheres to the patterns (paint) 107, adhesion ofwater can be reliably detected.

In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the substrate 101, the shapeor arrangement of the patterns 107 or the detection terminal 103 (105),or the like can be changed as appropriate.

FIGS. 7 to 11 are plan views of a moisture detection label according tosecond to sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Notethat in the second to fourth exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to9, parts corresponding to those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the patterns 107 of a moisturedetection label 20 are arranged with their vertical lines and horizontallines aligned. Other constructions (for example, the grooves are formedacross the detection terminals), actions, and effects are the same asthose of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, a planer shape of detection terminals 105A and 103Ain a moisture detection label 30 may have an elliptic shape verticallyelongated. In this case, the detection terminals 105A and 103A areembedded in the substrate 101 while the front and rear surfaces thereofare exposed from the front and rear surfaces of the substrate 101.Accordingly, also in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, an electricalconnection state between the detection terminals 105A and 103A can bedetected from the rear surface of the substrate 101.

Note that in the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, thedetection terminals 105A and 103A each arranged substantially at each ofthe centers of both ends of the moisture detection label 30. Otherconstructions and action effects are the same as those of the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 9, a planer shape of patterns 107A in a moisturedetection label 40 may be stripes, for example. In this case, the pluralpatterns 107A are arranged in parallel to the detection terminals 103and 105 at equal intervals. Other constructions and action effects arethe same as those of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, a planer shape of a substrate 102 in a moisturedetection label 50 may be circular and a planer shape of patterns 107Bmay be rings. In this case, the plural rings 107B are arranged at equalintervals to be concentric to the center of the moisture detection label50.

Also, in the moisture detection label 50 of FIG. 10, a pair of detectionterminals 103B and 105B are made arcs along an outer periphery of thesubstrate 102. According to the fifth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.10, the substrate 102 has a disc shape, and therefore the moisturedetection label 50 can be made smaller than the angular moisturedetection labels 10, 20, 30, and 40 (see FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9). Otherconstructions and action effects are the same as those of the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 11, a planer shape of a pattern 107C in a moisturedetection label 60 may be circular, for example. Note that for theconstruction of the sixth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, partscorresponding to those of FIG. 10 are denoted by the same referencenumerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted in FIG. 11.

In this exemplary embodiment, the number of the pattern 107C can be setto one. Other constructions and action effects are the same as those ofmoisture detection label 50 of FIG. 10.

(Moisture Detection Device Construction)

A moisture detection device according to a first exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention (see FIG. 12) has one of the moisture detectionlabels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9 mountedthereto. The moisture detection labels shown in FIG. 12 are denoted byreference numeral 100 (100 a, 100 b, 100 c, and 100 d) to be described.

A moisture detection device 110 of this exemplary embodiment includes:at least a pair of detection terminals provided on a substrate having aninsulated front surface; four moisture detection labels 100 that areprovided on the front surface of the substrate and formed between thedetection terminals, and contain water-dispersible and conductive paint;and a current detector 116 (detection means) for detecting an electricalconnection state between the detection terminals of the moisturedetection labels 100.

As shown in FIG. 12, the moisture detection device 110 of this exemplaryembodiment further includes four resistor portions 115 a, 115 b, 115 c,and 115 d, which are connected circularly. That is, the moisturedetection device 110 is an example using a Wheatstone bridge.

The resistor portions 115 a, 115 b, 115 c, and 115 d have firstresistors 117 a, 117 b, 117 c, and 117 d, respectively. The firstresistors 117 a to 117 d have the same resistance values.

Thus, when the moisture detection labels 100 are not wet in water(specifically, a non-electrically-connected state shown in FIGS. 1 and4), the resistor portions 115 a to 115 d are in a balanced state due tosetting (the same resistance values) of the first resistors 117 a to 117d. Here, the balanced state of the Wheatstone bridge means a state whereno current flows into the current detector 116 while the resistorportions 115 a (R1), 115 b (R2), 115 c (R3), and 115 d (R4) shown inFIG. 12 have a relation of R1/R2=R3/R4.

In the resistor portion 115 a, a second resistor 119 a and the moisturedetection label 100 a, which are connected in series, are connected tothe first resistor 117 a in parallel. In the resistor portion 115 b, asecond resistor 119 b and the moisture detection label 100 b, which areconnected in series, are connected to the first resistor 117 b inparallel. In the resistor portion 115 c, a second resistor 119 c and themoisture detection label 100 c, which are connected in series, areconnected to the first resistor 117 c in parallel. In the resistorportion 115 d, a second resistor 119 d and the moisture detection label100 d, which are connected in series, are connected to the firstresistor 117 d in parallel.

The second resistors 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, and 119 d are set to havedifferent values. When the moisture detection labels 100 a to 100 d getwet nearly simultaneously (for example, when the moisture detectiondevice 110 is dropped in a puddle), the resistor portions 115 a to 115 dhave different resistance values, whereby the Wheatstone bridge isnon-equilibrium.

In the resistor portions 115 a to 115 d, the resistance values changeaccording to the non-electrically-connected state (see FIGS. 1 and 4) orthe electrically-connected state (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the moisturedetection labels 100 a to 100 d. When the moisture detection labels 100a to 100 d are in the electrically-connected state (see FIGS. 5 and 6),the resistance values of resistor portions 115 a to 115 d change,whereby the Wheatstone bridge is non-equilibrium.

Here, the non-balanced state of the Wheatstone bridge means a statewhere a current flows into the current detector 116 while the fourresistor portions R1 to R4 constituting the Wheatstone bridge do nothave the relation of R1/R2=R3/R4.

The moisture detection device 110 includes the current detector 116 asthe detection means. The current detector 116 connects a connection linebetween the resistor portions 115 a and 115 b to a connection linebetween the resistor portions 115 c and 115 d. The current detector 116is connected to a switch 113 as power shutoff means. The switch 113 isconnected to a main circuit 112 of an electronics device 200 to whichthe moisture detection device 110 is mounted (see FIG. 18). The maincircuit 112 includes a CPU (control means) 200A, a memory (storagemeans) 200B, a communication circuit (not shown) such as a speaker.

The moisture detection device 110 further includes a battery 111 forpower supply. The battery 111 connects the connection line between theresistor portions 115 a and 115 d to the connection line between theresistor portions 115 b and 115 c.

The battery 111 may be used as a battery for the electronics device 200.

The switch 113 is connected between the battery 111 and the main circuit112. Accordingly, when the switch 113 is open, power of the battery 111is not supplied to the main circuit 112.

(Moisture Detection Device Action)

An action of the moisture detection device 110 shown in FIG. 12 isdescribed based on FIGS. 13 and 14. The moisture detection device 110using the Wheatstone bridge that causes a current to flow when aresistant balance is lost, in which the current detector 116 detectschanges in resistant values of the resistor portions 115 a and 115 b.

FIG. 13 is a drawing explaining an operation of the current detector116. The current detector 116 detects a current (I) from the Wheatstonebridge and then sets a switch control output voltage value to be outputto the switch 113 to 0 V (“L” signal) (see FIG. 13). Whereas when thecurrent detector 116 does not detects the current (I) from theWheatstone bridge, the switch control output voltage value to be outputto the switch 113 is set to 1 V (“H” signal) (see FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 is a drawing explaining an operation of the switch 113. Theswitch 113 shown in FIG. 12 includes a control terminal 113A to whichthe current detector 116 is connected. When the “H” signal is input tothe control terminal 113A from the current detector 116, the switch 113is turned on (a state indicated by the real line of FIG. 12) and powerof the battery 111 is supplied to the main circuit 200.

On the other hand, when the “L” signal is input to the control terminal113A from the current detector 116, the switch 113 is turned off (astate indicated by the imaginary line of FIG. 12) to interrupt thevoltage circuit of the battery 111. As a result, power is not suppliedto the main circuit 200.

Since the moisture detection device 110 uses the Wheatstone bridge, whenno moisture adheres to the moisture detection labels 100 a to 100 d (thenon-electrically-connected state shown in FIGS. 1 and 4), the resistorportions 115 a to 115 d are in the balanced state. Therefore, thecurrent detector 116 detects no current, and the switch is ON. Note thatthe moisture detection method using the moisture detection label 10described based on FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6 is applied to the moisturedetection device 110.

On the other hand, when moisture adheres to any of the moisturedetection labels 100 a to 100 d (the electrically-connected state shownin FIGS. 5 and 6), a current flows between the seals 100 in theelectrical connection state and the resistant portions 119 (any of theresistors 119 a to 119 d), whereby any of the resistance values of theresistor portions 115 a to 115 d) changes.

Accordingly, the Wheatstone bridge is non-equilibrium, and a currentflows into the current detector 116. At this time, the current detector116 outputs the “L” signal to the control terminal 113A of the switch113 to turn the switch 113 OFF from ON. When the switch 113 is turnedoff, the power supply to the main circuit 112 from the battery 111 isshut off.

Note that in the moisture detection device 110, by visually identifyingthe moisture detection labels 100, it is possible to specify whichdetection seal gets wet in water.

According to the construction of this exemplary embodiment, power supplyto the main circuit 112 is immediately shut off in conjunction with themoisture-adhesion states of the moisture detection labels 100 a to 100 d(the electrically-connected state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), therebymaking it possible to prevent a short circuit or the like from beingcaused by moisture adhesion to the main circuit 112. Therefore,according to this exemplary embodiment, generation of failure due toexposure to water or the like can be prevented.

Also, the moisture detection device 110 has the construction using thefour moisture detection labels 100, thereby providing the moisturedetection labels 100 at plural locations of the electronics device.Accordingly, adhesion of water to the electronics device can be detectedreliably, and the location of the adhesion of water can be specified.Further, according to this exemplary embodiment, even when the fourmoisture detection labels 100 are arranged, only one detection circuit(the current detector 116) is provided, so the construction can bepreferably simplified and the mounting area may be preferably set small.

FIG. 15 shows a moisture detection device according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Note that in theconstruction of the second exemplary embodiment, parts corresponding tothose of FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 15,and a detailed description thereof is omitted. In the moisture detectiondevice 110 of this exemplary embodiment, an output terminal of thecurrent detector 116 is connected to the CPU 200A of the electronicsdevice 200, and the CPU 200A is connected to the switch 113. Otherconstructions are the same as those of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 12.

Next, a power shutoff method of this exemplary embodiment is describedbased on FIG. 16. This power shutoff method is used for the moisturedetection labels 100 that include the patterns having at least a pair ofdetection terminals provided on the substrate having the front surfaceinsulated and formed between the detection terminals, and contain thewater-dispersible and conductive paint, in which an electricalconnection state between the detection terminals is detected, and whenthe electrical connection therebetween is detected, power to the maincircuit 112 is shutoff.

Referring to FIG. 16, a processing relating to a power shutoff mode inthe electronics device 200 is described. Here, the processing (powershutoff mode) in the electronics device 200 is represented by a flowchart of FIG. 16 executed in the CPU 200A of the electronics device 200shown in FIG. 15. Programs thereof are previously stored in a programarea of the memory 200B (see FIG. 15).

As shown in FIG. 16, in a step 100, the CPU 200A judges whether or notthe moisture detection labels 100 indicate a water-adhesion state (theelectrically-connected state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), based on the “L”signal from the current detector 116. When YES in a step 100, that is,it is judged that the moisture detection labels 100 are in theelectrical connected state, the CPU 200A judges in a step 102 whetherthere is data that has not been recorded in the memory 200B yet.

When YES in the step 102, that is, it is judged that there is data thathas not been recorded therein yet, the CPU 200A records in a step 104the data in the memory 200B. After the processing in the step 104, theCPU 200A causes a speaker (alert means) (not shown) in a step 106 tooutput alert data such as an alert sound or message for a predeterminedtime. Note that in this case, a display 202 of the electronics device200 (see FIG. 18) may be caused to display an alert message, etc.

After the processing in the step 106, the CPU 200A turns the switch 113OFF from ON to thereby turn off the power in a step 108. On the otherhand, when NO in a step 102, that is, it is judged that all data isrecorded in the memory 200B, the processing advances to the step 106where the CPU 200A causes the speaker to output the alert data and toturn off the power in the step 108. Other action effects are the same asthose of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12. Note that in thisexemplary embodiment, the power may be turned off without recording datain the memory 200B or causing the speaker or the like to output alertdata.

FIG. 17 shows a moisture detection device according to a third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Note that in the construction ofthe third exemplary embodiment, parts in FIG. 17 corresponding to thoseof FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals and a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

A moisture detection device 120 shown in FIG. 17 includes the battery111, the main circuit 112, the switch 113, the moisture detection label10, an output terminal 121 of a regulator, and resistors 123 and 125. Inthe moisture detection device 120, the switch 113 is connected in seriesbetween the battery 111 and the main circuit 112. Here, the moisturedetection label mounted to the moisture detection device 120 is, forexample, the moisture detection label 10 shown in FIG. 1.

Then, the resistor 123 is connected in series between the outputterminal 121 of the regulator and the switch 113. Further, the moisturedetection label 10 and the resistor 125 are connected between theresistor 123 and the switch 113.

In the moisture detection device 120, when no moisture adheres to themoisture detection label 10 (the non-electrically-connected state shownin FIGS. 1 and 4), the control terminal 113A of the switch 113 is pulledup by the output terminal 121 of the regulator (power source).Accordingly, the switch 113 is ON, whereby power is supplied from thebattery 111 to the main circuit 112.

On the other hand, when moisture adheres to the moisture detection label10 (the electrically-connected state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), a currentis pulled down to GND (ground) through the resistor 125. Thus, a voltageis not applied to the control terminal 113A of the switch 113, and theswitch 113 is turned OFF from ON, whereby power supply from the battery111 to the main circuit 112 is shutoff.

Also, in the moisture detection device 120 shown in FIG. 17 too, similarto the case of the moisture detection device 110 shown in FIG. 12, theelectrical connection state of the moisture detection label 10 can bedetected based on a resistor value change. Then, based on the detectionresult, power supply to the main circuit 112 can be shutoff.

Also, the moisture detection device 120 can detect adhesion of waterwith a still simpler construction than the moisture detection device 110shown in FIG. 12.

The above detection devices are preferably used for electronics deviceshaving a data storage function, such as a cell phone (mobile terminal),a portable personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), andvarious cameras.

(Electronics Device Construction)

Electronics devices according to this exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 18and 19) have one of the moisture detection devices 110, 110A, and 120shown in FIGS. 12, 15, and 17. Note that the electronics device in thisexemplary embodiment is a cell phone for description. Also, theelectronics device in this exemplary embodiment is described as anexample having the moisture detection device 110 shown in FIG. 12mounted thereto.

The electronics device includes: a device main body having a powersource; the moisture detection label that includes the patterns havingat least a pair of detection terminals arranged on the device main body,provided on the substrate having the insulated front surface, and formedbetween the detection terminals, and contain the water-dispersible andconductive paint; and detector arranged on the device main body, fordetecting an electrical connection state between the detection terminalsof the moisture detection label.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view when a foldable cell phone 200 is opened.FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable cell phone 200shown in FIG. 18.

As shown in FIG. 18, the display portion (device main body) 202 of themobile phone 200 and an operation portion (device main body) 201 areopenable and closable via a hinge portion. As shown in FIG. 19, theoperation portion (device main body) 201 includes an upper case 204 anda lower case 205, which are formed like a shallow box. The operationportion 201 accommodates a print wiring board 214. The upper case 204includes a predetermined number of function buttons 219 and push-buttondial 218.

The display portion 202 includes an upper case 206 and a lower case 207similarly to the operation portion 201. The display portion 202accommodates a print wiring board 215. The upper case 206 includes adisplay 220 as alert means.

The print wiring board 214 and the print wiring board 215 are connectedthrough a flexible board 216. The hinge portion 203 is composed of hingebarrels 208 and 211, half hinge barrels 209, 210, 212, and 213, and ahinge unit 217.

In this exemplary embodiment, the moisture detection labels 100 a to 100d are arranged at four locations of the print wiring board 214. Forexample, the moisture detection labels 100 a to 100 d are respectivelyarranged near the hinge portion 203 and its opposite side through whicha liquid such as water easily enters.

In this exemplary embodiment, the plural moisture detection labels 100,for example, four seals, are arranged. Thus, it is possible to specifywhich location of the cell phone 200 got wet in water by visuallyidentifying the moisture detection labels 100. Note that other actionsand effects are the same as those of the moisture detection device shownin FIG. 12, so the detailed description thereof is omitted.

Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the arrangement locations andnumber of the moisture detection labels 100 can be changedappropriately. For example, the seal may be arranged on a front surfaceof the lower case 205. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, in the mobile phone200, the moisture detection labels 100 may be arranged at only twolocations near the hinge portion 203 of the print wiring board 214.

Further, in the mobile phone 200, the CPU 200A (see FIG. 12) may recorddata such as date and time when the cell phone 200 got wet, in thememory 200B (see FIG. 12).

In this case, the data such as date and time when the cell phone 200 gotwet is read from the memory 200B to check whether the cell phone 200 gotwet, and what date and time it happened, for example. Therefore, when afailure occurs in the mobile phone 200, it is possible to judge: whetheror not the failure caused by adhesion of water; or the failure is causedby user' s mishandling or caused by a manufacturer by having the cellphone 200 got wet before its sale.

Patterns of combination in the present invention may be a pattern of theabove exemplary embodiments or combining two or more examples among theabove exemplary embodiments.

The flow of the processing program described in the above exemplaryembodiments (see FIG. 16) is merely an example and may be appropriatelychanged within the scope of the present invention.

Further, it is noted that the inventor's intent is to retain allequivalents of the claimed invention even if the claims are amendedduring prosecution.

1. A moisture detection label, comprising: a base material; at least apair of detection terminals provided on the base material; and a patternof water-dispersible and conductive paint provided on the front surfaceof the base material and formed between the detection terminals, whereinthe base material has grooves across the detection terminals, whereinthe water-dispersible and conductive paint is a conductiveelectrodeposition paint comprising an ionic substance with ink, whereinwhen moisture does not adhere to the pattern, there is no electricalconnection between the detection terminals, and wherein when moistureadheres to the pattern, the pattern swells or disperses to form anelectrical connection between the detection terminals.
 2. The moisturedetection label according to claim 1, wherein the pattern swells byabsorbing moisture and is dispersed over the front surface of the basematerial toward the detection terminals.
 3. The moisture detection labelaccording to claim 1, wherein two or more of the patterns are providedbetween the detection terminals.
 4. The moisture detection labelaccording to claim 3, wherein the two or more of the patterns arearranged in a lattice pattern.
 5. The moisture detection label accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the detection terminals is provided on anouter periphery of the base material in a manner that the detectionterminals are opposed to each other.
 6. The moisture detection labelaccording to claim 1, wherein the base material is formed into asheet-like shape, and the detection terminals are provided from thefront surface to a rear surface of the base material.
 7. A moisturedetection device, comprising: a moisture detection label that has atleast a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, wherein the detectionterminals are provided on a base material, the pattern compriseswater-dispersible and conductive paint and is provided on the frontsurface of the base material and formed between the detection terminals,and the base material has grooves across the detection terminals; and adetector that detects an electrical connection state between thedetection terminals of the moisture detection label, wherein whenmoisture does not adhere to the pattern, there is no electricalconnection between the detection terminals, and wherein when moistureadheres to the pattern, the pattern swells or disperses to form anelectrical connection between the detection terminals.
 8. The moisturedetection device according to claim 7, wherein the detector includes aWheatstone bridge, and the Wheatstone bridge has a nonequilibrium whenthe detection terminals are electrically connected.
 9. The moisturedetection device according to claim 8, wherein, the Wheatstone bridgeincludes resistors connected in series to one of the detection terminalsof the moisture detection label, and wherein, each resistor has aresistance value different from one another.
 10. The moisture detectiondevice according to claim 7, wherein the pattern swells by absorbingmoisture and is dispersed over the surface of the base material towardthe detection terminals.
 11. A moisture detection method comprising:providing a moisture detection label that includes at least a pair ofdetection terminals and a pattern, the detection terminals beingprovided on a base material, the pattern containing water-dispersibleand conductive paint and being formed between the detection terminals,whereby the paint swells by absorbing moisture to thereby dispersetoward the detection terminals; and detecting an electrical connectionstate caused between detection terminals through the dispersed paint,and wherein the water-dispersible and conductive paint is a conductiveelectrodeposition paint comprising an ionic substance with ink, whereinwhen moisture does not adhere to the pattern, there is no electricalconnection between the detection terminals, and wherein when moistureadheres to the pattern, the pattern swells or disperses to form anelectrical connection between the detection terminals.
 12. The moisturedetection method according to claim 11, wherein an electrical connectionstate between the detection terminals is detected in a Wheatstonebridge, and the Wheatstone 101 bridge has a nonequilibrium state whenthe detection terminals are electrically connected.
 13. The moisturedetection method according to claim 12, wherein, in the Wheatstonebridge, resistors connected in series to one of the detection terminalsof the moisture detection label each has a resistance value differentfrom one another.
 14. An electronics device, comprising: a device mainbody having power source; a moisture detection label that is provided onthe device main body, and has at least a pair of detection terminals anda pattern, wherein the detection terminals are provided on a basematerial, the pattern comprises a water-dispersible and conductive paintand is provided on the surface of the base material and is formedbetween the detection terminals, and the base material has groovesacross the detection terminals; and detector that is provided on thedevice main body and detects an electrical connection state between thedetection terminals of the moisture detection label, and wherein thewater-dispersible and conductive paint is a conductive electrodepositionpaint comprising an ionic substance with ink, p1 wherein when moisturedoes not adhere to the pattern, there is no electrical connectionbetween the detection terminals, and wherein when moisture adheres tothe pattern, the pattern swells or disperses to form an electricalconnection between the detection terminals.
 15. The electronics deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising: power shutoff means forshutting off power based on the electrical connection state detected bythe detector.
 16. The electronics device, according to claim 15, furthercomprising: control means for causing storing means to store data beforethe power shutoff means shuts off power.
 17. The electronics deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising: warning means for warning ofadhesion of water based on the electrical connection state detected bythe detector.
 18. A power shutoff method used in a moisture detectionlabel that includes at least a pair of detection terminals and apattern, the detection terminals being provided on a base material, thepattern containing water-dispersible and conductive paint and beingformed between the detection terminals, the power shutoff methodcomprising: detecting an electrical connection state between thedetection terminals; and shutting off power in a case where it isdetected that the detection terminals are electrically connected, andwherein the water-dispersible and conductive paint is a conductiveelectrodeposition paint comprising an ionic substance with ink, p1wherein when moisture does not adhere to the pattern, there is noelectrical connection between the detection terminals, and wherein whenmoisture adheres to the pattern, the pattern swells or disperses to forman electrical connection between the detection terminals.
 19. The powershutoff method according to claim 18, further comprising: causingstoring means to store data before shutting off power, in a case whereit is detected that the detection terminals are electrically connected.20. The power shutoff method according to claim 18, further comprising:causing warning means to warn of adhesion of water before shutting offpower, in a case where it is detected that the detection terminals areelectrically connected.
 21. The moisture detection label according toclaim 1, wherein the base material has an insulated front surface. 22.The moisture detection device according to claim 7, wherein the basematerial has an insulated front surface.
 23. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the base material has an insulated frontsurface.
 24. The moisture detection label according to claim 1, whereinthe pattern is configured to disperse upon contact with water.
 25. Themoisture detection device according to claim 7, wherein the pattern isconfigured to disperse upon contact with water.
 26. The electronicdevice according to claim 14, wherein the pattern is configured todisperse upon contact with water.
 27. The power shutoff method accordingto claim 18, wherein the pattern is configured to disperse upon contactwith water.
 28. The moisture detection label according to claim 1,further comprising a processor for determining when there is anelectrical connection resulting from the swelling or dispersion of thepattern.
 29. The moisture detection device according to claim 7, furthercomprising a processor for determining when there is an electricalconnection resulting from the swelling or dispersion of the pattern. 30.The electronic device according to claim 14, further comprising aprocessor for determining when there is an electrical connectionresulting from the swelling or dispersion of the pattern.